Mini-van-coop-fire evacuation-mobile, PREDATOR BREAK IN!

[Hummingbird Hollow]

So, got the door off and reinforced the corners and put it back on. Much improved. I needed to move my 4 turkeys out of the garage and thought as flighty as they were, the tractor was the best place for them. However, I wanted the option of keeping a heat lamp on them at night, because these mountain nights can still get pretty cold, and I had reservations about trying to rig one up inside the mini-van. So, I borrowed a large wire dog crate from a friend and put it in the back end of the tractor. I lined the crate with corrigated plastic and hung the heat lamp from the top of the crate. My turkeys have spent two nights inside the crate (which I figure is much more predator proof than the tractor itself) and two entire days outside enjoying the green grass and fresh air.




Here's a photo of the sun coming up over the mountains this morning over the meadow where the tractor is currently parked. Mornings like this make me feel like such a fortunate woman to live surrounded by all this beauty. Note how much greener it is than the photos I posted last summer. Hopefully, we'll avoid forrest fires in the area this year.

Of course in my typical fashion, I haven't built a platform for the dog crate that will make the whole thing easy to move to fresh grass in a day or two, thus making life more difficult for myself when I now need to build the platform with the crate and the turkeys both in the way.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Yikes another big fire burning in the Colorado Springs area. I could drive the mobile coop down hill and perform an daring rescue if any of you folks on the forum are from the Black Forrest area and are looking at evacuating. I could also house some displaced chickens up here if you know anyone who has chickens in need of temporary re-housing. Haveing gone through it last summer, I know the stress you are under and would be happy to offer assistance.

 

[flowerchild59]

I read through the whole thread. Thanks for posting it and glad you all were safe and sound.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Thanks, it's like a wierd post-traumatic reaction watching this fire spread on the other side of the city. I did some quick math and realized that while I've respected my husband's wishes not to have as many animals this summer as I did last summer, I've allowed a little upward chicken math to take place. Last year we evacuated 2 dogs, a cat and 43 chickens (8 mature hens and 35 5 week old FRs). Right now I have the same 2 dogs and cat, 7 of the 8 mature hens, but also 15 3 week old Red Rangers, 6 5-week old heritage layers and 4 8 week old turkeys for a total of 32. While that IS 11 less, it is probably a more complex evacuation. I can't seem to help making my life more... interesting.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

A year ago today was when the Waldo Canyon Fire started and we began our bizarre journey in the mini-van, mobile-coop turned evacuation mobile. Colorado Springs just went through an even more devastating wildfire as far as the number of homes destroyed and there are something like 9 additional fires buring around the state. I'm keeping the mini-van fueled and an extra supply of feed on hand in case we need to do it again. Hopefully this area has had its share for the year.

 

[joan1708]

Are you OK? Did you get caught in the flood?

 

[GraceHomestead]

I read the entire thread and am so impressed with your design and creativity!! I am glad you were able to load them up and get safe when needed. Sad to see the raccoon broke in and had his way with your chicks.
I absolutely LOVE this idea!! I have a van that has been sitting for awhile and I really didn't know what to do with it other than scrap it.....I LOVE this idea!